JUST NOW: Baltimore Orioles Denied Signing Andrew Kittredge as it is Circulated on the Media…see more…
In a surprising turn of events, the Baltimore Orioles have publicly denied rumors that they are in talks to sign Andrew Kittredge, a right-handed reliever who has garnered attention for his stellar performances with the Tampa Bay Rays over the last few seasons. The speculation started to circulate in the media earlier today, with several sources claiming that Kittredge, a crucial piece of the Rays’ bullpen in recent years, was being courted by the Orioles for a potential deal.
Kittredge, 33, has been a steady presence in the Rays’ bullpen since his breakout year in 2019, providing stability and late-inning reliability. His 2024 season saw him post a 3.18 ERA in 52 appearances, showcasing his ability to get crucial outs in high-leverage situations. These performances, along with his playoff pedigree, made Kittredge a coveted asset heading into the offseason. With the Orioles emerging as one of the top teams in the American League East, many believed that adding a veteran arm like Kittredge could help solidify an already formidable bullpen.
However, in a statement released earlier today, Orioles general manager Mike Elias refuted the claims, calling the reports “speculative and inaccurate.” Elias, who has been known for his cautious approach to roster decisions, expressed that the team is constantly evaluating potential players to improve their roster but emphasized that no talks with Kittredge had taken place.
“We are always looking for opportunities to strengthen our roster, but there has been no ongoing negotiation or agreement with Andrew Kittredge,” Elias said in a brief press release. “Any reports suggesting otherwise are unsubstantiated.”
This denial came as a surprise to many, as the Orioles have been active in improving their bullpen over the past few seasons. In 2024, the team finished with one of the best relief pitching units in baseball, highlighted by All-Star closer Felix Bautista and promising young arms like D.L. Hall and Bryan Baker. Still, with the team expected to contend for a World Series title in the coming seasons, adding a seasoned veteran like Kittredge would have seemed to be a logical move to bolster the team’s postseason chances.
The rumors that had swirled earlier in the day appeared to stem from an anonymous source within the industry, who mentioned that the Orioles had made an initial inquiry into Kittredge’s availability. The source claimed that the team was intrigued by Kittredge’s versatility, noting that he could fill various roles in the bullpen, whether it be in the late innings or as a setup man.
Yet, Kittredge’s situation is not as straightforward as it may seem. He is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in late 2024. His rehab process is expected to keep him sidelined for a significant portion of the 2025 season. While Kittredge’s talent and leadership are undeniable, the timing of his recovery may have played a significant role in the Orioles’ decision to move on from the potential signing.
Many fans were initially excited about the prospect of Kittredge joining the Orioles, especially with the team’s recent push for playoff contention. However, as the news of the denial spread, some began to express concerns over the team’s future bullpen plans. While the Orioles have an abundance of young talent, there is still a need for veteran leadership, and Kittredge, when healthy, could have provided that in spades.
As the offseason continues, the Orioles remain focused on their primary goal: strengthening their roster for a championship push in 2025. Whether they revisit the idea of adding Kittredge or pivot to other options remains to be seen, but for now, they have put an end to the speculation surrounding the 33-year-old reliever.
The decision marks another chapter in a busy and unpredictable offseason for the Baltimore Orioles, as they continue to fine-tune a roster that promises to compete for years to come.
